Cyber Family 200

We had a good time in Southampton and I got all the things I wanted. We had a nightmare of a journey back home though. There were two obnoxious teenagers on the bus, they claimed they were 14 but definitely looked older and they insisted on using the most foul language all the way home. One lady told them off and got a load of abuse. One of them did stop but the other one kept going thinking it was a joke. I asked him to stop and got the same abuse. I had to stop Ian from wiping the smirk off his face. All most unpleasant and if they were the age they said they were they should have been in school at 2pm.

My great grandaughter had her first dental check up yesterday and was very good. Her teeth are perfect.

Greetings all and hugs for Vicky, Pamela and Kim - hope all is well with everyone. Bus journeys can be very fraught these days as can be train and even plane trips. We were coming back from Cyprus a few years back, I was by the window, Patricia in the middle seat when a woman came for her aisle seat. She promptly bent down, picked up Patricia's hand luggage from under the seat in front of her and tossed it over towards me. Then she stowed her bag where Patricia's had been giving herself plenty of foot room. I said very loudly to tell her to shift her bag but Patricia didn't want to make a fuss.

I just stood up and said I was going to the loo and began to move across. The woman made no move to shift her feet so I said to her to get her bag and leave my wife's alone. She didn't even answer but sat there so I said if she didn't do what I said I'd throw her bag into the aisle. Getting no response I did just that. Way up the aisle as well.

That got a reaction as she asked me what the hell I was playing at. I kept calm and told her point blank not to put it back where she had had it. That brought her husband into the argument from his seat across the aisle. I hardly looked at him but said any more of that and I would call a steward. Then he said I was 'for it' when we landed so I went off to the loo and as I returned leaned over to him and whispered 'Okay mate - any time.' I was of course hoping he was full of hot air and it proved the case when we landed. I walked to the baggage carousel a few feet away from him and watched him decide to walk away. So, bluff called - his I mean - one sigh of relief and that was that. It does tend to make things uncomfortable though but I had persuaded Patricia to sit by the window and I sat in the middle to make her feel more secure. I hate people who think that they can just do what they want without any one going against them. Anyway her plan came well and truly unstuck. I couldn't act like that now though but would still if I could.

Greetings and hugs to you too, Terry, and also to Patricia. There are some very unpleasant folk in this world and they seem to think it belongs to them to do and behave just as they wish.Goodnight to you and all our lovely family, sleep well and stay safe.

A lovely sunny but cold morning. We got most of the leaves cleared up yesterday but still a few more to come down.

Terry I really had to stop Ian thumping one of the lads or he would have ended up in court. This lad came out with the excuse that he had Tourettes but to me he was just typical of this generation that thinks the world revolves around them. Just hope we dont meet him again.

That's a problem Vicky - holding your temper when some ignorant oaf is creating a nuisance. It isn't really worth going to jail for them yet when a decent person takes action they always seem to suffer and often get locked up. The ne-er-do-wells generally get away with it because they know how to play the system. One last remark about the man who said I was 'for it' - I really didn't expect him to do anything because during the barney he stayed very firmly in his seat. Obviously not a 'doer' - the ones who take action do it regardless of consequences so I wasn't too bothered and after all there are police and staff knocking about airports. Even so.............!

Hello Vicky, thanks for another morning hug. I am impressed with you having most of your Christmas presents sorted out. Apart from my back pain stopping me from running around the shops I must admit I cannot conjure up much enthusiasm this year. I also have 5 birthdays before Christmas which, of course, must take priority !!!!!!

Kim I am not surprised that you haven't any enthusiasm for Christmas this year. I still have to go back to Southampton as eldest Grandson has asked for a gift from Hollister and as I am not too sure what he likes I am going to get him a gift card which you can only get from their shops. Still thinking about my son although I have got him a bottle of port.

Sw weigh in tonight. Our consultant is still off sick so another one is taking group tonight.

I watched a most moving documentary last night. The story of a young 17 year old lad Billy Monger who lost his legs last year in a motor racing accident but who fought back to come 3rd in his first race this year. At no time did Billy feel sorry for himself but just got on with things, puts most of todays teenagers to shame. If you get the chance watch it on I player and have tissues at the ready.

We have decided to go out for lunch today as Ian has a pub gift token left from his birthday in August.

Hello Vicky, thank you for another morning hug. Hope SW weigh-in went well for you. Also hope your eye is settling down well, do you have a check-up appointment yet? What an incredible lad Billy Monger is and how wonderful it is to hear success stories like this one.

Yes weigh in went well Kim, down by half pound, trying to lose 3 - 4 pounds before Christmas to give myself chance to stay at target over Christmas. New consultant starting next week for twelve weeks while our consultant is off sick.

Ian might go sailing either today or tomorrow depending on the weather, today is set to be sunnier but colder and tomorrow warmer but cloudy.

I trust all is well with everyone or soon will be but have yourself a hug on my account to be going on with. I had to see a practice nurse today who stuck a big needle into my belly as she does once every twelve weeks but I suppose it is worth it. She also told me that I am now officially Type Two diabetic and rebooked me for another appointment to go through various routines I shall have to follow. I'm only just a midges over the line so I hope I can soon get back down below it but is seems my pancreas is tired. So, I said, am I.

Anyway not to worry it's beginning to look a bit like Christmas and I am under instruction to root about in the old shed to find whatever baubles and so on that are still worth using again. Our problem is where to put the tree - please - that's enough of that! It will probably end up in the porch as usual and get knocked over as usual but it makes life interesting. That will happen tomorrow - or not depending upon how I feel.

Off to bed now but at last have got my new lap top sorted by using an external hard drive so I hope to start putting a few anecdotes on about my time in the Army as I said earlier. Nothing earth shattering but I have a few incidents I think might amuse you all.

Our middle Grandson Graeme would have been 25 today, he is missed very much.

Terry I hope you manage to get your diabetes under control. We have a small fibre optic tree that we put up and we also have our cards up but apart from that we dont do much in the way of decorating as we are at our sons for Christmas day and Boxing day.

I am off to Southampton this morning to get eldest grandsons Christmas present and Ian is going fora sail. More wind forecast today, yesterday was cold and not much wind.

Hello Terry - only just picked up your message from last night, so belated thanks for your hug. So sorry to hear about your diabetes but I'm sure it can be well controlled, just take care.Hi Vicky - thanks again for my morning hug. Don't think I will bother with any Christmas decorations this year as Alan isn't around and I will be at my daughter's for the two main days.

Hi everyone, I've been that bored that I was wondering if anyone still uses the Windsor Knot on their ties, I was taught how to do the Windsor when I joined up at 17, I see people everyday with another knot that's very thin and and so untidy looking!!! is the Windsor a military knot?? (told you I was bored) hope you're feeling ok Vicky and you too Terry and Kim

Hi Steve, you really must be bored !!!! I always thought the Windsor Knot was copied when it was used by the naughty King who abdicated and that's where it got its name from - can't say if it is still used 'cos I don't wear ties any more (lol) but I expect there is someone amongst our family who can enlighten you !!! Thank you for asking about me, Steve, I am pretty good, all things considered. Goodnight and take care. x

Steve I am fine now, just waiting for my eye check up so I can get some new glasses.

I had a good day in Southampton and got the last few presents that I wanted. Ian didnt get out for a sail as when he had rowed out to his boat he found that the last time he had used the boat he had left the keys in the engine then pulled the hatch cover over and locked it. By the time he had gone home for the spare keys the tide was on the way out so he abandoned the trip. He cant go today as it is raining.

I shall be watching the rugby today and wrapping the last of the presents.

Hi Steve, you really must be bored !!!! I always thought the Windsor Knot was copied when it was used by the naughty King who abdicated and that's...
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Hi Kim, I googled it, you were quite right, it's named after the naughty King, apparently it's mandatory to use in the RAF! but frowned upon by the Army and Navy because of the connection with the naughty King! the things you learn when your bored!!!

Hi everyone, I've been that bored that I was wondering if anyone still uses the Windsor Knot on their ties, I was taught how to do the Windsor when I...
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Well Steve, the only comment I can make is that in the 14th/20th anyone spotted with a Windsor knot was likely to find himself on a 142. Not the done thing me lad! Same with 'box' pleats, could never understand the reasoning behind them, I simply stitched the regulation three pleats on each side in the back of the BD and everyone was happy.Cheers, Syd.

Evening all and hugs all round - I'm feeling generous. Didn't get the old baubles out of the old shed but went off for an afternoon out which included taking Patricia's new Tablet back because the charger was faulty. Got it replaced albeit with a slightly different one so the Tablet now charges up as it ought to do. Popped in for a cuppa while herself treated herself to a warm mince pie with pouring cream and a coffee. When I say treated herself I did the paying and the fetching and carrying as always but hey - what are we lads for?

I've just read the posts about the Windsor knot - interesting - I've always tied my ties the same way and have no idea whether it's a Windsor knot or not. I'd like to know if Syd would be so kind as to tell me what a 142 is/was? I know very well what a 252 is/was and hasten to add although I was threatened more times than I can remember with one I always managed to talk my way out of them. Must be the Irish half of me gives me the blarney.

Our daughter's birthday is very close now - just five days to go and we took the chance to pick up a present for her while we were out. The traffic was nose to tail as we went to our destination but a bit of cheek and crafty driving got us in the car park and a parking spot while others were driving round and round like Indians round a wagon train. By the time we'd done our walking around and finished our purchases it had gone pretty well and we drove home in a matter of minutes. Altogether a nice day out.

Good evening, Terry. Sorry I missed you yesterday but a belated thanks for my hug, they are always appreciated. Glad you and Patricia had a nice day out.Seems like I missed you too Vicky, thank you for my morning hug. Do you have a date for your eye check up? - be good to get it sorted so you can get some new glasses.A very goodnight to everyone, sleep well and stay warm.

Evening all and hugs all round - I'm feeling generous. Didn't get the old baubles out of the old shed but went off for an afternoon out which...
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Well Terry, Perhaps I should have just said that anyone with a Windsor knot was most likely to have found himself throttled with it! However, You're almost certainly correct with your numbers, but as I keep telling you, you youngsters will just have to show a little forbearance towards we of the more doddery aspect. Anyway, '142'...'252'. Section 40, conduct prejudicial to good order etc. Now please remind me: was a '406' a 'B' vehicle monthly inspection? While an '857' was that of an armoured vehicle? In passing, younger daughter's birthday was last month and elder daughter's tomorrow and have to admit to feeling a bit over the top when I hear her called 'Granny.' But which (very conveniently) leads me on to bragging time, with an eleven mile plus walk yesterday though, unlike the photo, visibility never more than a couple of miles. Cheers, Syd.

Well Terry, Perhaps I should have just said that anyone with a Windsor knot was most likely to have found himself throttled with it! However, You're...
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Hi Syd, phew, glad I wasn't around in your day, think my Windsor knot looks very smart, I still wear it every day! thankfully not been throttled yet! would like to see someone try!! mindless violence over a tie, nothing's changed over the years has it, lol

Yes Kim I will let you know when I get my check up, they said four weeks so it should be next week. I know I need glasses for distance. Maureen my sister in law has her check up this week and also has to have an endoscopy so I am a bit worried about her.

We ate off out today, a drive through the forest to a garden centre, taking lunch with us and will find a suitable spot to park the van and watch the world go by.

Syd that was a good long walk that you had. We have a favourite one which is to walk from Beaulieu to Bucklars Hard but its short compared to yours only about 5 miles.

'Ahh well Vicky. No real hills, so not too difficult to keep up with these sprightly 70 year olds! A really pretty place Bucklers Hard, visited there many years ago in an ex-Danish fishing ketch named 'Tangaroa'... Happy days.

Hi Vicky, thank you for another morning hug. Hope your eye check-up goes well, I'm sure it will. I can well understand your worry about Maureen, will keep my fingers crossed for a good result.You and Syd have just brought back some very pleasant memories of years ago when Alan and I visited Bucklers Hard, thank you.

Yes Bucklars Hard is a lovely little place, the walk from Beaulieu goes along the Beaulieu river where there are some lovely properties. Beaulieu has some lovely donkeys roaming free and one day recently the garden centre chased one out of there but didnt notice three others that had managed to get in, they were eventually noticed when eating some plants. Traffic often gets held up in the forest with animals in the middle of the road.

Goodnight Vicky, a rather belated thanks for my morning hug. To say that it has been wet and windy here is an understatement - bin collection day and several of them were tipped over and even blown along the road. One cyclist had a lucky escape when one landed immediately behind him. What exciting news we do share, let's hope there is something more interesting to report tomorrow !!!!!!

Hello Vicky, thank you for another morning hug. Still very windy today but at least it has been dry. Do hope your docs appointment went well this morning. Received notification today that my winter fuel payment will be in my bank account in the next couple of weeks, so that is good news.

Evening all - late as usual but none the less hope all are well and offering hugs to Vicky, Kim and Pamela. Well if you want exciting news or interesting there's apparently going to be a new addition to the family. Our elder granddaughter has just announced that she is pregnant with her expected date in early July. That makes Patricia and I expectant Great Grandparents. Is it expectant or potential? Whatever! Never thought it would happen - in fact our kids were so laid back we thought we'd never even be grandparents. So there it is - do I feel old? - no not flipping likely. About forty years back a chap who worked at the same firm as I said to me 'You'll still be the same no matter how old you get - still having an outlook like a teenager.' Yeah - why not?

Yesterday I went to the dentist and was delighted to find that I didn't need anything doing. Must be at least ten years since I even had anything more than a wash and brush up so to speak.

Vicky - I have a lot of pain in my left hand which is osteo arthritis and in my case could be down to playing guitar for so long. Can't play now for that reason and of course deafness so its a double whammy. I do really miss music in my life because it was such a big part of it. Like I say though - can't win 'em all. A lot of people are a lot worse than I am.

There is a large number of trees round here - many in the gardens behind us and I almost filmed them blowing about this morning Then it calmed down so we went out shopping and getting a final present for our daughter whose birthday it is today. One was a slinky apron with the words 'On the whole I'd rather be drinking champagne.'.

We had a further bit of excitement a few days ago. The young woman who lives next door showed a fair amount of guts when she confronted three blokes pushing her car out of their drive and when challenged said it was theirs. She saw them off and her husband also told us there had been someone prowling in the gardens a night or two earlier. When I went into our old shed to check for Christmas decorations a storage box was open and everything was strewn about except for a bag containing a load of spanners I haven't used for years. Patricia went back today to look for the decorations and found something else missing. It was a Father Christmas figure which says 'Ho-Ho-Ho' when you press a button. Honestly - nicking a thing like that and the spanners are all ancient things which won't fit the modern metric nuts and bolts. Makes you think.

Oyez, Oyez - here endeth today's bulletin. A very joyous night's sleep to all you Merry Ladies and Gentlemen.

Hello Terry, you were too late for me to catch you last night, so many thanks for my hug. I am sending you and Patricia an extra big hug to celebrate the news that you are to be great-grandparents, wonderful news!! I have a great-grandson who will be 5 on Sunday and my presence at his party has been requested, to which around 20 other little devils have been invited - lucky me, I shall need a large G&T afterwards !!!!!Hi Vicky, thank you too for my morning hug. Sorry to hear about your osteoarthritis, very unpleasant - hope the Ibuprofen gel works for you, my son-in-law swears by it !!

We are off to the boat club Christmas do tonight, an American supper where everyone brings a plate of food. I am taking sausage rolls. We also have to take a raffle prize wrapped in Christmas paper. I shall have to set the recorder to record strictly and I'm a celebrity.

Had a good night at the club and won a bottle of champagne in the raffle. Not doing much today as I feel tired. Ian will be working on the dashboard of the van as the speedo is not working, he thought he had it all fixed but noticed this last night. Still it gives him something to do and stops him being bored.

Always happy to hold out a helping hand Steve - I did forget to mention that the ten minute walk each way is to be done every day. Sorry folks! ...
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Hi Terry, don't know if you seen the fight, Fury clearly won the fight, even though he went down twice, the scorecards took an age to finally be announced, they were passed back to the judges by the referee when he looked at them, I can't help but think there's some skullduggery going on, how can 2 professional judges score Fury winning by 4 rounds and the other have Wilder winning by 4 rounds!!! the same thing happened to Lewis when he lost in America, how dare a brit come to the States and beat their dreamboy!!

Hello Vicky, thanks for another morning hug. As you can see, I have survived Jordan's birthday party - time for a G&T before supper I think and anyone who would like to join me is very welcome!!! Looks like you had a good night at the club, enjoy your champagne.

Hi Steve,Haven't seen the fight yet but it seems that most of the world is of the same opinion as you. I will catch up with it asap and half expected a draw as the result. It's gone on for years where the Yanks do anything to ensure that their man wins or at least draws to keep his title. Let's see if Fury can get the rematch which I understand is in the contract for last night's fight. It may be that Wilder will fight shy rather than risk it again.

I don't know whether you will agree with this but I feel a fully fit Fury at his best would see off Ali at his fittest and best. For me Ali was nowhere near the greatest only in his own mind. There were a few dodgy decisions in his career especially when he fought Ken Norton for the title. Ali won fights by being an awkward sod before they got into the ring but Fury I reckon could also beat him with mind games.

Hi Terry, I tend to agree, Ali v Fury would be close, I too would favour Fury, brought me to thinking about Ken Norton, he was so under-rated as he was not one of the big 3, he fought Ali 3 times, won 1 and lost 2, I've watched all 3 fights and in my opinion Norton won them all!!

It's my turn to agree with you now Steve - Norton was under-rated and when Ali took the title from him I remember that Ali thought he had lost and was getting out of the ring before the verdict. He was almost dragged back and poor old Ken could not believe the decision. As a bit of trivia especially if you are into pub quizzes - the answer to the question 'Who was the only heavyweight boxer who was a world champion but never won a title fight? was in fact Ken Norton. He was awarded the title - can't recall why but his first defence was the one I've just mentioned. He fought a couple more times for titles but lost them - unlucky or what?

Hi Terry, Norton beat Young (who had beaten Foreman) to become No 1 contender, he was expected to face Ali for a 4th time but that was scuppered when Leon Spinks beat Ali, WBC ordered Spinks to face Norton, but Spinks decided to face Ali again, WBC didn't like that and awarded the title to Norton, that's what I remember from the many documentaries I've watched, sorry if there's any inaccuracies